500 vs. 401
#1
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500 vs. 401
I've had several 401's..I think 3 that I've sold and I'm down to one now. I've enjoyed sewing on all of them. I picked up a 500 a few weeks ago and pretty much assumed I'd like it the same as I do the 401, but I was wrong. I much prefer the 500 series. I'm not sure if it's the extra upper tension guide that's built into this model that helps create a better stitch quality? But, I find I prefer the 500 over the 401. Interesting...
#2
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Candace,
We currently have both models. I can't decide which one I like the best. They are so similar, yet different that they do have individual personalities.
I do know that after using the 401 for a while, I tend to forget to thread the 500 through the extra top thread guide. It usually tells me about it with tension problems when I do that.
Joe
We currently have both models. I can't decide which one I like the best. They are so similar, yet different that they do have individual personalities.
I do know that after using the 401 for a while, I tend to forget to thread the 500 through the extra top thread guide. It usually tells me about it with tension problems when I do that.
Joe
#3
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I've also found that although they still are not my favorite FMQing machines, the 500 also does a better job than any of the 401's I've ever owned. I think this may also be due to the extra tension guide.
#5
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Candace,
I haven't tried FMQ with either of them yet. Played with the circle stitcher, that's a fun attachment, and the monogrammer too. Will have to try the FMQ eventually.
Mitch's mom,
The top hinge on the door, or the machine body?
Joe
I haven't tried FMQ with either of them yet. Played with the circle stitcher, that's a fun attachment, and the monogrammer too. Will have to try the FMQ eventually.
Mitch's mom,
The top hinge on the door, or the machine body?
Joe
#6
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I have the original slant darning foot and the 500 has much less fussiness with tension issues while FMQing. Still not my favorites because of the drop in bobbin assembly, but I was surprised that the 500 seems to be an all around better model, IMO. And I'm not just comparing one machine to one machine, as I said I've had probably 4, 401's in my hands.
Yes, that hinge is the weak spot for sure!
Yes, that hinge is the weak spot for sure!
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#9
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Yeah, kind of like driving around in a 57 Chevy with no front bumper. It works, but .... ewwww yuck.
My #1 500 came to me missing the nose piece. The hinges on the machine body were good. Luckily my LSMG had all the bits I needed to make it whole again. So now after much cleaning, some replacement parts, and some adjusting it sews just fine. I claim it as mine too. My wife took the 410a away from me, so I claim the 500.
So there.
From my perspective, the hinges are only fragile "if" the user abuses the machine. If they treat the machine decently it's a non issue.
Joe
My #1 500 came to me missing the nose piece. The hinges on the machine body were good. Luckily my LSMG had all the bits I needed to make it whole again. So now after much cleaning, some replacement parts, and some adjusting it sews just fine. I claim it as mine too. My wife took the 410a away from me, so I claim the 500.
So there.
From my perspective, the hinges are only fragile "if" the user abuses the machine. If they treat the machine decently it's a non issue.
Joe
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